Gateway Server for Cross-Platform IM and Browser Messaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of seamless integration and unity in messaging systems between conventional PC-based instant messaging systems and mobile devices, limiting communication between users of different devices.
Innovation Solution
Enabling communication between a computing device running an instant messaging client and a remote device running a browsing application by processing messages to be accessed and displayed on the remote device through its browser application, using protocols like SMS or WAP, even if the remote device does not run a messaging application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If instant messaging systems use client-server model with dedicated IM clients, then messaging communication between PC users is enabled, but communication with mobile devices running browsing applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway server as an intermediary component that bridges the IM client-server system and mobile browsing applications. The gateway server receives messages from the IM server, processes them into appropriate formats, and delivers them to mobile devices via browsing applications, enabling communication between incompatible platforms without requiring complex integration between the IM system and mobile devices
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway server performs multiple functions: it acts as a message broker between IM and browsing systems, a protocol converter transforming IM protocols to browsing-compatible formats, and a format adapter adjusting message content for different device capabilities. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing broad communication compatibility through a single versatile component rather than complex point-to-point integrations
2Ease of operation
If messaging systems are designed for specific platforms (PC IM or mobile browsing), then optimized communication is achieved within each platform, but seamless integration between different platforms is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway server serves as a reliable intermediary that ensures consistent message delivery across different platforms. It implements protocol translation and format adaptation mechanisms that maintain communication reliability by converting messages between IM and browsing protocols while preserving message integrity, allowing users to communicate reliably regardless of platform differences
3Adaptability or versatility
If remote devices run browsing applications instead of messaging applications, then device compatibility is improved, but direct messaging communication cannot be established
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway server changes the format parameters of messages to match the capabilities of browsing applications. It transforms IM protocol messages into formats suitable for web browsers, adjusting content structure, encoding, and presentation to ensure messages can be delivered and displayed correctly on devices that only run browsing applications rather than dedicated messaging applications
Data Source
AI summary
A first device running a messaging application, such as an instant messaging (IM) application, engages in messaging communication with a remote device running a browsing application. The remote device user is not associated with the messaging network of the first device. The first device sends an instant message directed to the remote device. The remote device is addressed using a means other than the addressing means used in the IM community associated with the first device, such as the MSISDN number of the remote device. The message is processed so that it may be displayed on the remote device by way of the browsing application. The user of the remote device may reply to the message using the browsing application, in which case the reply message is processed and forwarded to the first device, where it is converted into the IM format for display within the IM application.